National TV Disaster

September 29, 2017

There was so much bad I don’t where to start.  The defense, thought to be the strength of the team, struggled against both the run and pass. Granted, the Packers are led by the great Aaron Rodgers.  He creates havoc for most teams. That being said, let’s start from the beginning to the bitter end.

Packers take the opening kickoff shredding through the Bears defense via pass and rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown. Fault of this score rests solely on the defense. Even with two linemen out and injuries forcing them to play reserve running backs, the Packers gained significant yards running throughout the game.  Packers 7, Bears 0. In the very next series, Mr. Slow gets sacked and fumbles. This is a bad play call. During the week Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the Bears were going to start the game with a long pass. This is exactly what they did. Knowing this, the Packers were in the Bears backfield before Glennon could set up. He is too slow to step up or roll out away from the rush and his reads are too slow. Hang on to the ball, take the sack and you get to run another play. Three plays later Packers 14 Bears 0. Next possession the Bears move the ball inside Packers 30 yard line. Then the dumbness that defines the Bears creeps in. With miscommunication on the snap, the ball hits Glennon in the knees. Fumble number two. Scoring chance down the drain. As usual against the Packers, there is the obligatory man wide open downfield for a 50 yard gain. This happens every time Bears play the Packers. No one is even close when Jordy Nelson is tackled after a long completion, but not before it is first and goal. Packers 21, Bears 0. The Bears finally have a good looking scoring drive to close the half. Packers 21, Bears 7.

The Bears received the kickoff to start the second half. If they scored it could have been a one possession game. The Bears tried a no huddle offense that was laughable. It seemed every time Cohen would have a good gain there would be a holding penalty to lose good field position. So they were forced to try a 43 yard field goal. For most kickers this is automatic.  Not with Connor Barth. If he’s not within 40 yards, he’s just awful. Field advantage goes to Packers. The Packers then go 63 yards capped by Jordy Nelson’s first touchdown. Packers 28, Bears 7.  The Packers get the ball back after Glennon’s second interception, with a pass that just sailed over everybody with no Bear in sight. Six plays later Packers' Nelson scores his second touchdown to complete a great game for someone’s fantasy team. Packers 35, Bears 7.

You would think being down 21 points before the last of Glennon’s 4 turnovers, they would give the second pick in the draft some game experience. Yet Glennon trots back on the field. Who else is thinking dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb? That’s one dumb for every turn over. When they get the ball down 28 points after Glennon’s second interception, Trubisky surely replaces Glennon now. But nope. Glennon goes back to play while Bear fans are pulling their hair out.

They run the ball, kill the clock and score a meaningless touchdown. I guess Trubisky isn’t ready to hand off?  Coach Fox says they will evaluate everything and make changes. Can he fire himself? Trubisky should start next game, but don’t bet on it.

The Bears are now 1-3. I was wrong when I predicted 0-4. However, I still am thinking a final record of 5-11. If Trubisky does start and is as good I think he will be, then maybe I move to 6-10.